Replacing television legends is one of the hardest gigs in entertainment. For over two decades, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May defined modern automotive television.
Now, Amazon Prime Video has officially handed the keys of The Grand Tour to a brand-new, internet-first trio: YouTubers James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, alongside viral train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois. With the new episodes now streaming, this major transition is sparking massive conversation.
Who Are the New Hosts?
Instead of casting traditional television presenters, producers turned to digital creators who already have massive, built-in audiences:
- James Engelsman & Thomas Holland: Best known as the duo behind Throttle House, a highly successful automotive YouTube channel boasting over three million subscribers.
- Francis Bourgeois: A viral TikTok and Instagram sensation famous for his ecstatic trainspotting videos. While best known for railways, Bourgeois has a deep-seated passion for cars that goes back to his childhood in London.
The chemistry between Engelsman and Holland was already proven, but adding Bourgeois was the wild card. According to the hosts, the dynamic clicked instantly during initial chemistry tests.
How Critics are Reacting
Taking over such an iconic franchise was always going to draw heavy scrutiny, and early reviews have been mixed:
- The Independent awarded the reboot three stars, describing the new format as "all rather safe" and noting that the presenters can feel a bit "stilted."
- The Guardian echoed these sentiments, calling the group "meek and pleasant" but highly praising Bourgeois as "the most enthusiastic enthusiast currently working on planet Earth."
- The Financial Times also gave it a three-star rating, pointing out that while the big-budget spectacles remain highly entertaining, the overall vibe feels "a little muted" compared to the chaotic energy of the original hosts.
What the Original Trio Thinks
Despite the mixed critical reception, the new lineup has received the ultimate seal of approval from their predecessors.
Richard Hammond publicly defended the new team, urging fans to give them a fair chance to find their footing. "We made our show and we're really good at being us. They're going to be really good at being them," Hammond noted.
Furthermore, the new hosts revealed that Clarkson, Hammond, and May were incredibly supportive behind the scenes, with Clarkson even promising the new trio, "We'll look after you."
